Quilting Adventures?

So excited!!

Last week I posted on Facebook about how I MIGHT have bought a quilting kit. 

Ok. I did. 

And it arrived!!!

So many colors!!

Love them!!

Well, after I do my pre-wash THIS is what I have. 

Is this normal?!?

I can't find anywhere that says I wasn't supposed to wash the strips. 

I have been trimming and ironing for an hour now and all I have is this. 

Which is only a third of the strips. 

Some one please tell me if I have completely ruined my chances of making an amazing quilt. 

It's kind of depressing. 

I guess you only learn by trying.

I really hope I can keep this project alive and have something to show in the end. 

On a happier note I have been playing with leather again. Hope to have something to show soon!!

Weekend Catch Up

What a weekend!!

If you didn't know, I play a little kickball every once and a while.

Fun.  Friends.  Beer.  Sun.  Exercise.

It's the best combo ever.

source

This past weekend the LRKA hosted Chili With a Kick benefiting Youth Home.

Chili.  Kickball.  Fun.  Friends.  Beer.  Sun.  Exercise.

See...just add Chili and you have the best charity event ever invented.

I ended up playing 5 games in the span of 8 hours.

Ouch.

Can't Move.

Too Old.

We came in 3rd place and had a blast. Luckily I got to be on the same team as some of my great friends!

Ryan, Me, Mikey

That, my friends, is why I didn't get to do much creating this weekend.

Because I spent yesterday and today trying to recover from being old.

I did however receive an AMAZING canvas print from Derick's mom.

She stumbled upon an app on your phone that will turn pictures in to 'water color' paintings.

She did one of my sweet Pepe and had Cosco put it on canvas!

It is so awesome I just have to find somewhere to hang it (along with the antique post cards and kitchen posters that are still sitting in a pile on the table).

Apparently I have a problem with commitment + nails + walls.

I hope everyone had a great weekend and I'll leave you with a picture of some of the cheapest pieces of fabric I've ever purchased (Joann's + Coupons + Luck).

I have a great idea for them I just have to find the time to do it.

Until we meet again!

February's #SewCrazyChallenge

I have been slowly working on this challenge all month.  Unlike last month where I finished it in 1 day...I wanted to make this one last.  I learned new things and practiced old skills.

February's challenge was for the Home.  There were multiple options...a set of pillows, some oven mitts, or a bean bag.

As soon as I saw the pillow challenge it reminded me of a Pin I found on Pinterest for inspiration and thought it would be PERFECT!  THIS is the inspiration pin and here is my pillow.

It was one of the hardest things I have ever done.  I boughr multiple colors of fringe, cut each tassel off and then re-attached them all together in an alternating pattern.  

I know there was a better way to execute this but I feel the end product was pretty darn good.  

Pepe sure thinks its the best pillow she's seen lately!

As for the other pillow with ruffles, I wasn't able to find a Wool Fleece mixture at any of my local fabric stores so decided I'd grab a few fat quarters and make the heart shaped oven mitt.  

I have used attempted bias tape before and after I was done I KNEW I was doing it wrong.  After doing some research I came across this amazing tutorial and was so excited I had a project to try it with.  Not only was I going to sew on bias tape 'correctly' but I was going to make my own!!! DanaMadeIt has another tutorial on her blog on how you can easily make bias tape out of 1/2 yard of fabric.

3 bias tape makers later...I DID IT!  This has opened so many doors for me I can just tell.

I love how I was able to match the colors perfectly.  There are a couple of hiccups around the tip of the heart but I know with more practice it will only get better.

I already have a project in mind to get more practice.  So many things going on in my brain...I just have to do one at a time!

Hope you enjoyed my contribution to the #sewcrazychallenge and make sure you stay tuned for next month's! I can barely contain myself...

I'm horrible at this patience thing.

My Top 10 Recipes

I hope I haven't made a promise I can't keep.

I got really excited after talking to Derick about my post for today. 

My top 10...in the history of ever.

Then, after really thinking about it, I hope I didn't get everyone excited for a few dinky recipes that make only Derick and I happy.  You know...one of those 'Womp Womp' moments.

Either way, here are 10 recipes that are close to my heart, and that also make my taste buds dance.

In no particular order...because coming up with just 10 was hard enough!

Enjoy!!

1.  BBQ Cups by Mom
BBQ. Enough said. Add some cheese and its even better!!

2.  Sausage & Rice by Mom
I make this as comfort food. It was the first thing I ever made for Derick, so if you ever ask him his favorite thing I cook this one always comes up.  Its a staple dinner for sure.

3.  Taco Soup by Mom
So simple, so filling, so amazing.  Leftovers are even better!

4.  White Chicken Chili by Mom
This is always a huge hit, so much so that I've been offered money to make a batch to deliver to my gym trainer!

5.  Hot Wing Sauce by "Google".  

I have no idea where I got this from, it's been a long time!  We haven't actually made this in a while...now that the weather is getting warm I'm feeling some wings in my future.

6.  Slow cooked Pork Carnitas by Skinny Taste
I add pineapple and mozzarella to the taco and it is amazing.

7.  Spinach Lasagna Rolls by Skinny Taste
I would suggest adding some quartered cherry tomatoes.  Maybe even roast them a little before hand.

8.  Avocado, Mozzarella and Bruschetta Chicken by IowaGirlEats
Just the title says enough about this one.

9.  Poppyseed Glazed Ham Sandwich by AgirlandAgluegun
I made this last night. I can't even explain what this glaze did to the sandwich bun. It was to die for.

10. Sweet Basil & Oregano Bruschetta Chicken by McCormick
Funny thing, this is actually a seasoning packet you can buy next to the taco seasoning.  I grabbed it as a quick meal one day and it turned out to be a massive hit.  I roasted quartered cherry tomatoes, whipped up some noodles and added the chicken.  Yum.

I'd love to hear some of your favorite recipes...I am always looking for things to add to the list!